8 Things to Know Before Adopting a Stray Cat
You might be tempted to pet, talk to, and even leave out a little dish of food for a cute kitten that has been stumbling around your neighborhood. Some people say adopting stray cats is the best thing they’ve ever done, while others claim that despite their best efforts, it just wasn’t meant to be. No matter what other people’s experiences are, adopting a stray cat will always be a significant commitment that should not be made on a whim. In the long term, taking in a stray cat with an unknown past may very well prove to be very rewarding, but to have the best chance of success, it is likely to require some pretty significant adaptations, a ton of patience, and financial resources.
Do you know the distinction between a stray cat and a feral cat?
A domestic cat that has been raised with humans but has since been abandoned or lost is said to be a stray cat. A feral cat might develop over time as her interaction with and reliance on humans decreases. Stray cats can be reintroduced to domestic life under the correct conditions, but they will likely need some time to adjust to an indoor lifestyle and they may be fearful and distrustful after being away from people for a while. With a lot of time, patience, and effort, adopting a stray cat can result in a lot of joy and companionship.
When it comes to cat adoption, this is a crucial issue, as the response may determine whether or not your efforts are successful. In general, a feral cat is a cat that has not lived as a household pet or with many people. Feral cats are essentially wild creatures who are not used to people and are not likely to ever become lap cats or love living indoors. They are afraid of people and must survive on their own in the wild. But wild kittens, particularly those under 8 weeks old, can frequently be socialized and are successfully adopted.
Experts have provided the following information for you to consider before adopting a stray cat.
- Do Research before you adopt
It’s crucial to understand that although adopting a stray cat is frequently independent and seems to be relatively self-sufficient, they actually require a lot of love and care from their owners, especially if you’ve never owned a cat before. Before adopting, please do extensive research, and carefully examine the obligations of cat ownership, and what may be in store for you as a prospective cat-parent in order to prevent an unanticipated “cat-astrophe.”
- Prepare Secure Hiding Places
Cats adore confined quarters, as anyone who has ever spent time with one will attest. A cat will squeeze into any opening, whether it’s a space between two cushions or an empty cardboard box. Having secure hiding places for your new cat is crucial for their psychological well-being in addition to being quite adorable. “Plan to have a few quiet spots for your new pet to ‘hide'” as it gets used to its new surroundings in addition to cat-proofing your home, advises Landis-Hana. All cats require their own personal hiding places, but former stray cats in particular do so since they are accustomed to having as much space as they desire.
- Thinking About Adopting a Stray Cat From a Shelter
A reputable animal shelter is a great place to adopt a stray cat from because the pets there have typically been vetted and determined to be healthy and well-behaved. You should consider what kind of cat you desire and/or what kind is best for you and your family because many shelters have an adoption process that involves pairing the appropriate owner to the right cat.
- A Vet Should Examine Them
If you’re adopting a stray cat that hasn’t had a good home or care for a while, you probably don’t know their medical history or whether they are now experiencing any health problems. For the well-being of everyone concerned, Landis-Hana advises making a veterinary consultation as soon as you decide to adopt a stray cat. Adopting a stray cat, the veterinarian will be able to examine for parasites like fleas and ear mites, which frequently infest cats who have been homeless. Additionally, the sooner you start treating your new pet if they have a more serious ailment, the better.
- Avoid Rushing or Overwhelming Her
The process of adopting a stray cat to you and your home is likely to be a gradual one, regardless of whether you have recently adopted a stray cat from a shelter or are attempting to make friends with a stray off the street. A semi-feral stray is likely to be extremely suspicious of people and will initially resist being touched, possibly biting or clawing you if you try to handle her. Even though you might want to pet and play with her, resist the need to overwhelm her and instead give her as much time as she needs to come to you. Adopting a stray cat, her progressive trust in you will increase if you keep your conversations casual and unthreatening.
- Slowly Acclimate Her to Your House
The Cat Protection Society advises that you acclimate a cat to your home gradually, ideally beginning in just one small, quiet unoccupied area due to the fact that giving the cat too much space can be overwhelming. Adopting a stray cat, a cat bed, a litter box, and a modest supply of food and water should be placed in the room (positioned as far away as possible from the litter tray). Scratching posts, toys, and a climbable object are accessories that are optional. Remove anything breakable or dangerous, like wires that can be eaten, from the area. Adopting a stray cat, spend time with her in the room every day to help her become used to your presence. You can also talk to her, read aloud to her, or even place phone calls to help her get used to your voice.
- Consider A Pet Insurance
Purchasing pet insurance may be advantageous if you decide to adopt an older cat, but you should take your budget into account before doing so, according to DeWire. In his words, “it can shield you from large (and little) unforeseen bills and make it simpler financially to give basic care,” but policies “can be complex so really know exactly what it covers.” Adopting a stray cat, you should read all the fine print, and depending on your lifestyle and your pet’s demands, consider adding alternatives like dental care or travel insurance. Examine the provider’s policies on pre-existing conditions because they may be crucial for adopting a stray cat.
- Be Prepared for Some Challenges
Patience is the most crucial quality when adopting a stray cat. It’s possible that stray cats have evolved specific behaviors that require significant retraining or altering to suit with your family and/or home setting. Some cats are good for families with kids or the elderly, while others aren’t, according to the expert. “Be aware of that so you don’t introduce a pet into a situation at home that will ultimately fail.” If you discover that you’re having some difficulty adjusting to your new pet, consult your veterinarian or even a cat behavioralist for guidance that is tailored to your way of life.
You’ll probably never know all your adopted stray cat has been through, but as you get to know her better, some problems might start to surface. Be prepared for adopting a stray cat and surprises to arise at any time, maybe even years later. Don’t be afraid to ask your veterinarian, a welfare group, or even a cat behaviorist for guidance that is tailored to your situation.
If you’re prepared to adopt a stray cat into your home, sometimes it can be too much to handle with all the planning. But be sure to set out some time to savor the affection that a new pet may also bring.
Conclusion
Make sure you’re not unintentionally grabbing a lost or collarless animal. Make sure adopting a stray cat doesn’t have a previous owner before taking it in if you find one. Check to see if the cat has a collar once you have earned the cat’s trust enough to hold it. Even if there isn’t a collar on the cat, having the cat’s microchip scanned is still advised because cats occasionally yank their collars off.